Samsung Expands Gemini AI Access to Galaxy A Series with Side Button Shortcut

Samsung Galaxy A-series phones are getting a handy Galaxy S shortcut

This could mean most Galaxy A-series users will have to wait until June for the functionality. Samsung's efforts to spread AI across its smartphone lineup continue, but some users might need a bit of extra patience. The company has announced that several Samsung Galaxy A devices will soon support activating Google's Gemini assistant by pressing and holding the side button, mirroring the shortcut already available on the flagship Galaxy S series. In a press release today, Samsung confirmed that the update will start rolling out globally in early May. It will enable even more direct Gemini access on the Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G, and A24. However, the catch in the footnotes reveals that the phones will only get this update when running on One UI 7. That's where the functionality doesn't look so imminent for all. Of those devices, only the Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 ship with One UI 7 out of the box. According to a leaked rollout schedule, the remaining eligible models aren't due to receive the update until June. That means the side button shortcut for Gemini won't be available to most A-series users until well after the initial launch window. Once it arrives, the update will give users of mid-range and budget phones easier access to Gemini's smart assistant capabilities. These include checking schedules, pulling up recommendations, and completing tasks across apps with voice commands. The move reflects a broader shift in Samsung's strategy. Gemini has already replaced Bixby as the default assistant on the Galaxy S25 series, launching by default when you press the side button. Bringing that same experience to the A series helps standardize Samsung's AI across its device lineup.

Samsung is bringing this flagship AI shortcut to its midrange line

Summary Samsung's One UI 7 update is rolling out to all eligible S-series flagships in Korea, with a wider release expected soon, while development of Android 16-based One UI 8 is underway with a potential July debut alongside new foldable phones. Before One UI 8, select Galaxy A series phones (including A56, A55, A54, A36, A35, A34, A26, A25, A25e, and A24) will receive a software update in early May, bringing One UI 7 and the ability to launch Gemini via the side button. This same update will also introduce Samsung's "Awesome Intelligence" AI tools (like Object Eraser and Circle to Search) to the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G, marking a significant expansion of convenient AI features to Samsung's midrange devices. Samsung has been on a roll lately. The South Korean tech giant's One UI 7 rollout has reached all eligible S-series flagships, at least in Korea, with other regions to shortly follow suit. Development of its Android 16-based One UI 8 also seems to be well under way, with the month of July and the release of the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 7 being thrown around as the potential time when we might be able to get our hands on the next major update. Related One UI 8 could debut with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 in July Leaving the One UI 7 episode behind Posts Still, One UI 8 is still a few months away. Before then, we can expect Samsung to roll out a dedicated software update for select A-series devices -- an update that would bring a seamless S-series AI shortcut to the tech giant's midrange devices. Announced in a new blog post today, Samsung wants Galaxy A-series users to be able to pull up Gemini simply by pressing and holding the side button. Get ready for a smarter A-series Source: Samsung The update, which, according to the footnotes on Samsung's blog post, will be available on Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G and A24, will likely bring said devices to One UI 7 sometime in "early May." Users would then be able to head to Settings → Advanced features → Side button to set Gemini as the desired destination for the shortcut. Elsewhere, the same update will also bring Samsung's suite of 'Awesome Intelligence' tools (just a fancier name for tools like Oject Eraser, Circle to Search, Best Face, and more grouped together) to the Galaxy A56 5G, A36 5G, and A26 5G. "Samsung and Google have been working together to deliver seamless, intuitive and meaningful AI experiences, making the latest technology more accessible for more users," said Jay Kim, executive vice president, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung, without mentioning the fact that Google has been paying Samsung an "enormous sum of money" on a monthly basis to pre-install Gemini on its phones. Regardless, this is a major win for owners of Samsung's midrange Galaxy line, who should soon be able to conveniently and rapidly access Gemini's powerful AI capabilities with the simple press of their phone's side button -- literally bringing AI to their fingertips. Related Google's so thirsty for Gemini users it's paying Samsung substantial sums to pre-install the AI Google pays Samsung 'enormous sum of money' monthly Posts 1

Samsung promises Google Gemini shortcut for Galaxy A devices

Samsung has been working hand-in-hand with Google to bring the company's AI to more Android devices, all while Samsung maintains some footprint with its popular Galaxy AI suite. The two companies noted that the Google Gemini shortcut will start to make its way to Galaxy A devices, reaching a broader market. With the progression of AI models and features on recent Android devices, it was initially understood that only the most capable phones would see features like Google Gemini or some of Samsung's more capable functions. The idea that more processing power would be needed for these advanced products took root. Well, that idea seems to be losing ground, fortunately, and it looks like more affordable phones with what would be considered mid-tier processors are getting exciting capabilities with prominent access, which is key. Samsung announced that Google Gemini will be available on Galaxy A devices, specifically available via the power key shortcut. The company specified that phones released between 2023 and 2025 would be the first to receive Google's AI assistant access. This rollout looks to be happening relatively soon, with a large batch of Galaxy A phones gearing up to get a new way to ask what the weather is outside. One UI 7 will be the catalyst for Gemini on Galaxy A phones, and there's a list of devices that are set to get Samsung's take on Android 15 very soon. The addition of Gemini isn't new, but the addition of a power key shortcut puts a focus on the AI assistant on more devices. This comes as Google has been pushing Assistant out of the picture lately. The company expects to completely replace Google Assistant by the end of 2025, with Gemini set to take its place. Both products utilize the power key shortcut. This rollout is expected to begin in early May, according to Samsung.

Samsung Expands Direct Access to AI Assistant With Side Button on Galaxy A Series

Through collaboration between Samsung and Google, more users will soon be able to activate Gemini more intuitively for a smarter mobile experience Samsung Electronics today announced that select Galaxy A series devices will soon support AI assistant activation through the side button, bringing a fan-favorite feature from the Galaxy S series to more users and furthering Samsung's vision of democratizing the latest AI experiences. With this update, users will be able to enjoy smarter AI experiences, including launching Gemini, Google's AI-powered assistant, by simply pressing and holding the side button. Samsung introduced Awesome Intelligence on the latest Galaxy A series - Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G and Galaxy A26 5G - including select fan-favorite AI-powered features that open up Galaxy's incredible mobile AI experiences to more users. Now, the upcoming update makes it easier for even more Galaxy A series users around the world to complete everyday tasks more intuitively with direct access to Gemini with the side button. Known for its balance of performance and value, the Galaxy A series now offers a smarter mobile experience thanks to this update. With easier access to Gemini, users can effortlessly check their schedule, find nearby restaurants or get recommendations for birthday gifts using voice commands. They can also carry out tasks across apps with just a single command - like finding a dinner spot on Google Maps and sending the address to a friend through Messages - spanning Samsung, Google and select third-party apps. "Samsung and Google have been working together to deliver seamless, intuitive and meaningful AI experiences, making the latest technology more accessible for more users," said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. "We're excited that Galaxy A series users will now be able to activate Gemini faster and more naturally through a simple gesture that brings intelligent support into the flow of daily tasks." Faster access to Gemini means help is ready in everyday moments - like making last-minute dinner plans. With a simple voice command, users can say "Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby" to Gemini and get suggestions in seconds, making it easy to pick a spot and share it with a friend, without typing a single word. The software update will roll out globally to select Galaxy A series models starting in early May.

Gemini Now Accessible Via Side Button on Samsung Galaxy A Series Phones | AIM

Samsung introduced 'Awesome Intelligence' on the latest Galaxy A series - Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Samsung Electronics on Wednesday announced that select Galaxy A series devices will feature the ability to activate Google's AI-powered assistant directly through the side button. With this update, users can activate Gemini by pressing and holding the side button. This allows them to access powerful AI functions, resulting in a more inventive and intuitive experience. This feature was previously exclusive to Galaxy S series devices. The company introduced 'Awesome Intelligence'on the latest Galaxy A series - Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. "Samsung and Google have worked together to deliver seamless, intuitive, and meaningful AI experiences that make the latest technology more accessible to more users," said Jay Kim, executive VP at Samsung Electronics. "We're excited that Galaxy A series users will now be able to activate Gemini faster and more naturally through a simple gesture that brings intelligent support into the flow of daily tasks," he added regarding the collaboration of Google and Samsung. With faster access to Gemini, consumers can now get assistance with routine chores like arranging last-minute dinner preparations. The company illustrated this with an example - by simply saying, "Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby." Users can get immediate suggestions, all without typing a word. Therefore, the feature offers a more intuitive and hands-free way to navigate daily challenges. The update will be rolled out globally in early May 2025, initially for Galaxy A series devices running the company's latest One UI 7 operating system based on Android. Samsung has been proactive in integrating AI-powered features in its devices over the last few years. The recently released flagship S25 series phones are equipped with a wide range of AI features like Cross App Action for multitasking, Circle to Search for quick information lookup, Audio Eraser for cleaner video sound, and Now Brief for personalised daily updates. Recently, during Google's antitrust hearing in a lawsuit brought by the US Department of Justice, Bloomberg reported that Google's parent company, Alphabet, is paying Samsung an "enormous" amount of money every month to pre-install Gemini on phones and devices.

You'll Soon be Able to Access Gemini Instantly on your Galaxy A-series Phone - Phandroid

If you own a Samsung Galaxy A-series phone and are in dire need of AI software, then you might be in luck -- the South Korean tech giant recently announced that it will be integrating instant AI assistant access via the side button for select Galaxy A series devices. Previously exclusive to the Galaxy S series, the feature will arrive via a software update scheduled to roll out beginning in May. READ: Samsung Galaxy G Fold could debut as Samsung's first tri-fold phone As you've probably guessed, the update will enable users to launch AI assistants including Google Gemini by pressing and holding the side button. Users can then proceed to issue voice commands such as checking schedules, locating nearby businesses, and asking for recommendations. Additionally, Samsung says that it will support cross-app functionality with a single command to work with select third-party applications. This announcement comes not too long after a revelation in an ongoing US antitrust hearing, where Google VP of Platform Partnerships Peter Fitzgerald confirmed that the company entered into a deal with Samsung earlier this year, which will see Google making monthly payments to ensure Gemini comes pre-installed on Galaxy smartphones. Samsung also gets a cut of ad revenue generated by the AI. Going back to the Assistant shortcut feature, Samsung says that it will be available for the Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G and A24 running One UI 7.

Samsung Galaxy A Series update to enable AI assistant access via side button

Samsung has announced that select Galaxy A series devices will soon support AI assistant activation through the side button. This feature, previously associated with the Galaxy S series, will become available to a wider range of users, aligning with Samsung's stated aim of broadening access to AI experiences. An upcoming software update will enable users to activate AI experiences, including Google's AI-powered assistant, Gemini, by pressing and holding the side button. Samsung recently introduced "Awesome Intelligence" on certain Galaxy A series models, such as the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G, incorporating select AI-powered features. The forthcoming update aims to simplify access to Gemini for additional Galaxy A series users globally, facilitating the completion of everyday tasks. The update is intended to provide a more streamlined mobile experience on the Galaxy A series, which is noted for balancing performance and value. With easier access to Gemini, users can perform tasks such as checking schedules, finding local businesses, or requesting gift suggestions using voice commands. The functionality also extends to performing actions across various applications, including Samsung, Google, and select third-party apps, with a single command, such as locating a restaurant on Google Maps and sharing the address via Messages. The integration is highlighted as providing quicker access to assistance for everyday situations, such as making impromptu plans. Users can utilize voice commands to specify search criteria, such as "Find French, pet-friendly restaurants with terrace seating nearby," and receive suggestions. The software update is scheduled for a global rollout to select Galaxy A series models starting in early May. Availability and supported features may differ based on market, carrier, and device model. The update is planned for the Galaxy A56 5G, A55 5G, A54 5G, A36 5G, A35 5G, A34 5G, A26 5G, A25 5G, A25e 5G, and A24 devices running One UI 7. The timing of the rollout is subject to change.